Tim Dickson

Principal

Tim practices civil litigation out of our Vancouver office, with a particular focus on Aboriginal, constitutional, administrative, and commercial law.

Tim is an experienced and creative lawyer who seeks practical and strategic results for his clients, whether through litigation or negotiation. He advocates for his clients before the courts and regulatory bodies. He has litigated long trials and public inquiries, has been counsel in over 10 Supreme Court of Canada cases, and has navigated a variety of regulatory processes. Recognizing that the best results are often achieved out of court, Tim also helps his clients achieve negotiated solutions, supported by strategic and robust litigation strategies.

Tim is ranked by Benchmark Canada as a Vancouver “litigation star” in Aboriginal law, and he is listed by Best Lawyers in Canada in administrative and public law, as well as corporate and commercial litigation. He was recognized by Lexpert Magazine as one of Canada’s Leading Lawyers under 40 and a US/Canada Cross-Border Litigation Lawyer to Watch. In addition to his practice, Tim teaches administrative law at UBC law school as an adjunct professor.

Tim practiced for over a decade at a leading Vancouver firm, where he was a partner. He has litigated in many areas of law, but with particular emphases on acting for Indigenous peoples in Aboriginal law matters and on cases involving other aspects of public law. He advises and acts for First Nations on matters involving Aboriginal rights and title and governments’ duty to consult and accommodate, and he represents First Nations in negotiations with industry proponents. He has substantial experience in environmental assessment and regulatory hearings, including before the National Energy Board. Tim has also acted at trial and on appeal in many leading constitutional cases, and before large public inquiries.

Tim grew up in Vancouver. He was called to the bar in 2004 after studying law at the University of Toronto and clerking at the BC Court of Appeal.

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Highlights

Advancing the interests of Indigenous Communities in the establishment of the Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee in respect of the Trans Mountain pipelines and marine shipping.

Successfully challenging British Columbia’s abdication of environmental assessment decision-making power over the Northern Gateway pipeline: Coastal First Nations v. British Columbia (Environment).

Representing the Gitxaala Nation before the Supreme Court of Canada in the landmark Tsilhqot’in Nation appeal on Aboriginal title.

Representing several First Nations before the National Energy Board regarding Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain Expansion Project.

Acting for the Stó:lō Tribal Council before the Cohen Commission of Inquiry into the Decline of Fraser River Sockeye Salmon.

Representing the Vancouver Police Department before the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry.

Acting for the Unitarian Church of Canada in the assisted dying litigation (the “Carter” case), including before the Supreme Court of Canada.

Representing the Amicus Curiae in the “Polygamy Reference”, which concerned the constitutionality of the criminalization of polygamy.

Acting for the City of Vancouver in litigation and regulatory proceedings against Canadian Pacific Railway in respect of the Arbutus Corridor.

Acting pro bono for the BC Civil Liberties Association before the Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. National Post (freedom of the press) and R. v. Jordan; R v. Williamson (right to be tried within a reasonable time).

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